Tai-Pan

Yes, I have searched, and yes I read the faqs, but I am actually more confused than ever about my options for replacing my stock cd changer on my Nakimichi 1994 LS400.

Here is what I think I know so far, please correct where wrong:

1) There are no aftermarket drop in replacements that work with Lexus head units

2) There are some people claiming to sell an aftermarket wiring kit. Some people say it works, some people say it does not.

3) There is a member of this board selling kits with changers/stereos that work with certain years.

4) Certain year ES300 6-disk changers can be dropped in and replaced with no hassles.




So I think that leaves me with two options
A) Replace my CD changer with a FM version. The bennefit of this is I get MP3 playback, but loose audio quality.

B) Replace with an ES300 unit. So far I have not been able to figure out which years work and which years do not. Can anyone help?

That said, used ones go for 150 on ebay, about the same price as MP3 radio cd changers.


THANKS!

lexusaudio

your nakamichi amp fits on top of changer bracket and the es300 will fit in the bottom of the ls400 94 bracket. watch ebay sales. do not buy one that says sold "as is'. that is ebay talk for its broken. you might have to buy 2 ebay changers to get one that works. half of them dont work unless the seller guarantees it. and if the seller guarnatees it usually the price goes mnore than 150.00. stay awartew form 92 and 93 buoilt es300 changers. they had lots of bugs. the 94 to 96 are best. date coding of serial number first letter is the year. . M 1992. -N 1993 =O 1994= , pP1995 and Q 1996.

Tai-Pan

Thank you very much for the information!

In your experience, how are the modulated CD players? I have a 50 dollar Fry's giftcard so I am thinking that may be a better route. However, I have never actually heard one going in the real world.

lexusaudio

the fm modulated connect to the fm station. the stereo system only turns on to full fidelity if the cd button is pushed. the radio thinks fm station playing so internal equalizer keeps cd at low fidelity totally making useless your hi fi system. also when fm interference is near like power wires, it interferes with signal and poor sound is the result. when your engine breaks you could replace it with a cheaper engine maybe a 2 cycle engine by fiat would be plenty cheap . thats how i feel about fm changers . they are not up to the sound deserving in a lexus.